Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . .

Posted by JoshT (A) on August 20, 2012 at 10:59:55

I am seeking cartridge recommendations in the $800 to $1,200. Here's background:

I have my Scout with a Benz Ace HO running into a borrowed Grado PH-1, which is connected to my Conrad Johnson CA-200 (185 wpc ss control amp), which is driving my new Dynaudio Focus 160s. My phono preamp, a Juicy Music Tercel, was not a great match, so it's in my other system and the Grado is a loaner from a friend who no longer uses it. System sounds awesome!

Based on archive searches here and internet searches in general, and also on advice from my local B&M dealer, I have ordered a new PS Audio GCPH (with a discount, but without an audition as the dealer does not keep it in stock). I don't usually buy new equipment without an audition, so we'll see.

I am going to have my local dealer check the stylus on the Benz Ace, and assuming it has sufficient life on it, my plan is to keep it through at least the burn in period of the PS Audio, which is seemingly a fairly long time (200 - 300 hours?). Then I'll want to upgrade or at least replace the Ace, as it's now a few years old.

I love the Benz Ace, and have though of "upgrading" to a Benz Ace S LO, or perhaps to a Glider S LO (but my dealer tells me it's impossible to get Benz cartridges these days?).

Here is my very short list, again based largely on this site, the broader internet and my dealer's recommendations:

1. Benz Ace or Glider (LO S), if they become available again. I am pretty confident I'll like either based on my history with the ACE.
2. Dynavector 20XL-2. Seems to be a darling of Vinyl Asylum going back for years here, and a good match for the Scout.
3. Dynavector 17D3. Also seems to be a darling here, and a good match with the Scout (but may need added headshell weight?)
4. Clearaudio Maestro Wood. Seems perhaps less popular on this forum, but very popular among it's owners.

Any thoughts on these or others, given that I have the basic Scout with the non-upgraded JMW-9 arm? I am generally inclined to try a LO MC cart, as I've never done so before and the PS Audio should permit that, but am also open to HO MC or MM suggestions in my price range.

I listen to just about all types of music and like extension and dynamics and transparency, but not a thin or overly analytical sound.

I'd love to audition first, but I just don't see that happening with a cartridge. Thanks in advance!
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Topic - Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - JoshT 10:59:55 08/20/12 (8)

RE: Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - magicsam 10:09:31 08/23/12 (0)

Thanks gentlemen - JoshT 06:20:41 08/23/12 (0)

RE: Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - AnalogJ 12:43:07 08/21/12 (1)

RE: Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - SgreenP@MSN.com 13:47:17 08/21/12 (0)

RE: Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - teenage diplomat 13:11:05 08/20/12 (0)

Can't go wrong with Benz or Dynavector. Used a Dyna 20XL - Opus 104 12:10:14 08/20/12 (1)

RE: Can't go wrong with Benz or Dynavector. Used a Dyna 20XL - SgreenP@MSN.com 13:00:31 08/20/12 (0)

RE: Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . . - volunteer 12:06:52 08/20/12 (0)

Have a Scout, have a PS Audio GCPH on order, and am considering a cartridge upgrade . . .

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